1969 K10 CST Full Restoration

[IronCanine]

Originally Posted by regan wilson

That thing is awesome! I've been following since the start. I like the wood grain too.

Thanks!...and thanks for following along. If I'm honest, I probably prefer the black lower molding and think it would look very good on this truck. But this is a Z84 not a Z62, so she's a woodgrain truck!

[regan wilson]

I wasn't sure how many 69's actually came with it. My truck was bare bones 6 cyl 3 on the tree with a heater and black trim. It's had wood grain on it since 84 when we first painted it blue. The painter talked me into it.

[IronCanine]

Originally Posted by regan wilson

I wasn't sure how many 69's actually came with it. My truck was bare bones 6 cyl 3 on the tree with a heater and black trim. It's had wood grain on it since 84 when we first painted it blue. The painter talked me into it.

It was a weight sacrifice for us as you know. I was hoping to be in the high 24s, but I think this may push us into the 25s. But I'm just looking for consistency. She's going to be a bracket monster.

[regan wilson]

Originally Posted by IronCanine

It was a weight sacrifice for us as you know. I was hoping to be in the high 24s, but I think this may push us into the 25s. But I'm just looking for consistency. She's going to be a bracket monster.

Just put it in low lock. It will be a beast for 60 ft

[IronCanine]

Originally Posted by 4burbon

Bring it

It's brought.

Originally Posted by regan wilson

Just put it in low lock. It will be a beast for 60 ft

[IronCanine]

I had hoped that we'd be done in time to take the truck to Maggie Valley at the end of September. My next goal was the AACA Southeastern Fall Nationals in Mobile. Our last target date was the big end of year cruise in here in Athens (which was today)....we knew by the middle of last week that we were going to miss that too. And I must say the disappointment transitioned pretty quick to something approaching relief. We had been hitting it pretty hard for a while and she was hitting back. So I took a break and went trick or treating...then I ordered a few parts to correct some issues, and Eric worked on painting the remaining bits as it suited him. Today was the first time I spent any time of consequence on the truck in a few days. I worked on cleaning up our jacking tools and the jack itself. Thanks to Woody for the jack handle and wrench. And thanks to Kevin (AASmedic) for the bag. Eric has gotten the remaining blue bits sprayed, including the hood. As soon as it's cut and buffed we'll be back at it. High hopes for the week ahead. (A real sign that we're almost done is that I found my ping pong table again...been buried with parts for a year).

[regan wilson]

Now that's a work of art.

[1971Stepside]

I'm patting you both on the back! Great job. I love the all original build...although she is screaming for bigger tires and wheels

[chewychevy67]

That is simply beautiful. I like the magnet dealer emblem. Keeps the vintage feel.

[Kronald_70GMC]

Very nice truck! Loving the attention to detail. Your almost driving it now.

[IronCanine]

Originally Posted by regan wilson

Now that's a work of art.

Thanks! I don't know if it's art, but it's definitely a work of heart. (DAD PUN! wah wah wah...)

Originally Posted by 1971Stepside

I'm patting you both on the back! Great job. I love the all original build...although she is screaming for bigger tires and wheels

Thanks, we appreciate it. My brother definitely agrees with you about the wheel tire combo...in fact it's all I hear from him. So thanks for that too. I like how these trucks look in the brochures and the ads of the time. Of course wheels and tires are an easy swap...but original never goes out of style IMO. I would probably be more agreeable to a set of 15x8 steelies over anything else.

Originally Posted by chewychevy67

That is simply beautiful. I like the magnet dealer emblem. Keeps the vintage feel.

Thanks! Can't compete with your period bedazzlement though.

Originally Posted by Kronald_70GMC

Very nice truck! Loving the attention to detail. Your almost driving it now.

Gracias...that's the real milestone. She looks like a real truck...but the post I want most is a pic of her in a different location that she's reached under her own power.

[cornerstone]

Serious craftsmanship.... Right here.

[jaros44sr]

OK, now I have to start looking for a front license plate, any ideas?

Truck is simply amazing, great work

[IronCanine]

Originally Posted by jaros44sr

OK, now I have to start looking for a front license plate, any ideas?

Truck is simply amazing, great work

Well...you've got some serious meat under your hood....How about a BEEF tag. A serious plate for a serious truck!

I ran one on maybe my favorite truck ever (unbelievably two decades ago). It was a '98 K2500. I'd give anything to have that one back (the truck, not the plate).

[IronCanine]

Originally Posted by cornerstone

Serious craftsmanship.... Right here.

Thanks...too kind.

[Ol Blue K20]

Nice!!! It's alive!

[DeadheadNM]

Take a victory cruise beer run to celebrate back at the shop!

[IronCanine]

Originally Posted by cornerstone

Amazing... looks and sounds smooth for a first start!

Thanks. It was amazing actually. But I'll take a win where I can get it.

Originally Posted by Ol Blue K20

Nice!!! It's alive!

Got a pulse and breathing...just got to get her on her feet!

Originally Posted by DeadheadNM

Take a victory cruise beer run to celebrate back at the shop!

If I can ever master a double flare we will my friend.

[IronCanine]

As I'd previously noted we had a coolant leak associated with the top radiator hose. It is not a revelation that tower clamps are not ideal. I ordered fresh clamps (because they just really seem like a one shot deal). The first set were supposedly Wittek clamps. I picked up a set of date coded ones this time around, also labeled Wittek (they were not marketed as NOS and I am under no illusion that they are) but they seemed more substantial than the first set. I lightly lubricated the inner surface of the clamps and positioned them right behind the bead on the metal radiator pipe and similarly on the thermostat housing and radiator outlet. We ran her for a fair bit last night and topped off the coolant. So far so good.

[IronCanine]

We got the cowl, antenna and wipers on over the weekend. The transmission was painted black and installed, and the antenna wire got routed. We didn't get the distributor 180 degrees off this time...but we did get the the wiper transmission 180 off. Luckily we checked it before the wipers went on...but unfortunately we didn't check it until the cowl with the hood to cowl seal was fully installed. Practice makes perfect as they say. Another thing I'll get to do over is the AC vacuum reservoir canister. I didn't notice it until I watched the first start video, but we dinged it fitting the hood. Of course I blame Classic Auto Air...we sent a box/bracket/canister that came off this cab. Not sure what I got back-but it didn't quite clear. Fortunately I think Roger Koop is going to be able to hook me up with a replacement. We had a bit of a weep at the oil line connection to the gauge. Tonight I trimmed the line and replaced the nut and ferrule-hopefully that sorts it...and Eric got the splash guards installed. The goal is to be on the road this weekend.

[69cam]

I started reading this thread from page one about a month ago, love everything about this truck. Keep it up, and best of luck with the final tidbits. Gorgeous truck!

[DeadheadNM]

Amazing! Great work guys. Happy for you. Let us know how the maiden voyage goes and may there be many enjoyable miles.

Anticipation is already building for your return the ring with the k20 after a well earned break.

[LakeAnna]

Great looking truck!

[IronCanine]

Originally Posted by chewychevy67

I'm excited for you. It's quite something to realize all the work into a project when it's sitting in the sun waiting for a ride. Congrats.

Thanks...looking forward to your masterpiece rolling out.

Originally Posted by LakeAnna

Great looking truck!

Thanks.

[IronCanine]

Originally Posted by DeadheadNM

Amazing! Great work guys. Happy for you. Let us know how the maiden voyage goes and may there be many enjoyable miles.

Anticipation is already building for your return the ring with the k20 after a well earned break.

Thanks Pete. And thanks for all your help. It'll be a while yet before we start the K20. I'm mailing this back to you...I think it's your turn now. I see you still collecting parts.